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Death, Grieving and Buddhism

I lost my grandmother on Wednesday. It's been a difficult time for me and my family. I'm alright but obviously grieving as is normal and healthy.

We had a Roman Catholic service for her according to her wishes. I understand the comforting appeal to the Christian belief that we will be reunited with our loves ones at death. But, I don't accept it as something I believe. However, this makes me sad too. I understand that the very nature of life is that we become separated from all that we cherish and every one that we love.

It's such a bittersweet reality, a difficult thing but it gives such value and meaning to the present moment and the relationships we have.

My thoughts are with you and your family. Yes, grieving is natural to human beings and not something to run from.

I lost my mom a year and some ago. I still see her whenever I look at the grass, trees or clouds, as much as if looking into her eyes. I even see her in Gregor and his Grandmother.I like to think that I may meet her again, but I surely meet her now.

My grandfather passed away a bit over a year ago, he was the first close relative to die for me. I did not grieve so much, but felt a kind of emptiness inside for awhile after (perhaps some remorse as well, because he was not always the easiest person to be around and I occasionally thought it would be easier if he "wouldn't be around anymore"). I think it also helped that he did not pass away suddenly, but lingered on a few weeks in hospital after a stroke so we got to say goodbye to him and prepare in advance for the inevitable.

My heartfelt condolences, both my grandparents on my mother's side died a few months apart from one another in 2006, with my father-in-law dying shortly after. Everytime I peel a tangerine, every time I open a fridge....taking into account that they're dead, I sometimes think that their voices couldn't be very much louder inside my mind even if indeed they were still alive.

Unborn, undying.....ya know. Sometimes a hug is worth more then a hundred stupid pretentious Koans.